India Leads Mobile Gaming Downloads Globally, Eyes ₹66000 Crore Market by 2025

mobile gaming

India’s mobile gaming industry is experiencing a meteoric rise, establishing itself as a major global player with 590 million active gamers and a market valuation projected to reach ₹66,000 crore at a 14.5% CAGR – almost double the global average of 8%. The exponential growth of gaming in India, especially mobile and web-based platforms, is transforming the country into a billion-dollar economic powerhouse.

Mobile gaming continues to lead the surge, positioning India as the second-largest market in mobile game downloads—3.5 times greater than the US and Brazil. According to a recent Lumikai report, FY24 alone saw 23 million new gamers added, while average weekly playtime jumped by 30%.

Backed by over $2.8 billion in cumulative investments, gaming in India is not only enhancing digital engagement but also fueling employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As industry leaders shift from serving global markets to building original content, India is emerging as both a consumer and creator of world-class games.

“India is evolving from a market of gamers to a hub of gaming innovation,” said Nitish Mittersain, CEO & Joint MD, Nazara Technologies. “We’re seeing companies scale up to become global powerhouses by leveraging talent, tech, and capital.”

With rapid infrastructure upgrades, including 5G rollout and high smartphone penetration, platforms like Gamezop and Rooter are unlocking new monetization avenues—from in-app purchases and advertising to brand partnerships and microtransactions.

Yashash Agarwal, CEO & Co-founder of Gamezop, emphasized India’s unique positioning: “With a CAGR of 14.5%, we’re not just part of the global gaming narrative—we’re shaping it. Web gaming, in particular, is gaining traction because of its instant accessibility and immersive experiences.”

Anuj Tandon, Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, pointed out the surge in local talent and narrative innovation, reinforcing India’s appeal for global investments. “Our ecosystem is creating games that can compete in global markets, and BITKRAFT is committed to supporting this growth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Indian game developers are moving beyond service roles to building original IPs. “We’re proud to build and scale Indian games for global players,” said Anurag Choudhary, CEO, Felicity Games.

Mobile Gaming Talent

Streaming platforms like Rooter are empowering content creators across tier 2 and 3 cities, tapping into grassroots mobile gaming talent. “Gamers are now more open to in-app purchases, and creators are increasingly collaborating with brands and publishers to drive discoverability and monetization,” said Piyush Kumar, CEO of Rooter.

With supportive regulations, emerging monetization models, and robust digital infrastructure, the mobile gaming industry in India is expected to be worth nearly ₹5 lakh crore by 2034. As user bases grow and innovation deepens, India is poised to redefine the future of interactive entertainment globally.

Author

  • Salil Urunkar

    Salil Urunkar is a senior journalist and the editorial mind behind Sahyadri Startups. With years of experience covering Pune’s entrepreneurial rise, he’s passionate about telling the real stories of founders, disruptors, and game-changers.

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